How about making a sticky post on a few forums with common problems ( I know users are supposed to search but it's obvious that some don't). For instance in the software discussion forum just now there is a post asking how to back up outlook, it seems like that question comes up every other week. (I'm sure there are more but my sleep deprived brain is strugling to think just now)

The other suggestion is a limit on image sizes, if the size is above 800x600 then shrink the image. (now that I think about it are attched images already like that? is it just linked images that are larger and if it is is there anythink that can be done about them)

From what we have been told, certain areas may be getting a wiki solution in the near future...
Best bet is to hold out till it actually takes place and just keep helping people with their problems

Yes, usually an attached picture will get a reduced size and a link for the full picture, but this is not the case for hotlinked images. (they might be able to make a hack, but the coderators are busy as it is.. but Im sure they could get to it soon enough)

nobody reads the stickies or even tends to use the search button

Are you speaking for everyone? If so I lay odds already you're wrong.

As I do!

Or people could make more guides for the Collection of Essential Guides forum.

Ive certainly thought about doing it, but the problem is people wont look in the guides section first and redirecting them there is inefficient. There would need to be some sort of link from the hardware section (maybe start the post there sticky it and then use "move but leave link") .. but I dont know.

Yep... that's the first place I look and it has save me from making a many stupid post.. Good idea!